By Marin Murray.
Four softball players have reached significant career milestones this season, most recently with junior Kinzley Cantu reaching 100 career runs scored in the team’s 9-0 win against Cooper on March 12. Sophomore Avah Reyes and seniors Amyah Starks and Diana Silva have also achieved career milestones this season.
“It’s been good to see other girls accomplish their goals,” Silva said. “It’s been good for our program and it shows that we’ve grown.”
Silva earned her 300th career strikeout in the team’s win against Lubbock Coronado on March 19, only a couple of weeks after reaching the 200 mark on Feb. 22. Reyes accomplished her 100th career strikeout on Feb. 22 against Merkel.
“Each girl has grown tremendously,” head softball coach Jenna Aguirre said. “Diana and Avah have worked extremely hard with Coach Williams perfecting their craft. They both have become more confident in their skills and do a great job working together as a staff.”
The day after reaching 100 strikeouts, Reyes pitched a no-hitter and had a career high 15 strikeouts in the team’s 12-1 win against Amarillo Caprock. The game after in their win against Creekview, Silva had eight strikeouts.
“Each girl contributes a ton,” Aguirre said. “Diana and Avah get the ball in the circle every single game. They have a ton of pressure on them but have carried the team in an impressive way. The girls feed off of them and they have been two tremendous leaders as well as hitters as they have found themselves a spot in the lineup this year.”
Starks, who signed to play collegiate softball at Abilene Christian University in November, reached 100 career RBIs after hitting a three-run home run to secure the 5-4 against Lake Belton on Feb. 20.
“Amyah has always put in work,” Aguirre said. “Coach Palmer has built a great relationship with her and was working with her a lot, helping her with her weaknesses and continuing to improve her strengths before her injury.”
Starks tore her ACL a few games after achieving her milestone but has continued to positively impact the team from the dugout. She was also close to 100 career hits before her season-ending injury.
“Amyah, since her injury, has found a new leadership position,” Aguirre said. “She helps coach up some of the youth in the infield as well as chart pitches for the hitters.”
The accomplishments of these four girls have helped the Lady Eagles to their current record of 14-11-1 and a third place ranking in district going into the second round of district play. Their next game is on Thursday, March 28 at 6:30 p.m. against Wylie at the Abilene High softball field.
